THIEVES who stole more than a dozen pigeons from a pensioner may have returned 48 hours later to try and steal more.

They struck on Wednesday night last week, at Brandon Allotments, near Brandon United Football Club, in County Durham, and stole more than 50 birds from three sheds on the site.

Among the sheds targeted was that of a 77-year-old enthusiast who lost more than a dozen fan-tailed and high-rolling tumbler pigeons.

Thieves returned on Friday night and got into the man's plot, but left empty-handed - after possibly being chased by a gander.

A friend of the man, who does not want to be identified, said: "They killed the gander. The goose was sitting on eggs and it was protecting her - perhaps it went for them - but they appeared to have hit it on the head.

"They may have stolen the birds to put in an auction. I think they may have known what they were doing, because they only went for the fancy birds, which are expensive.

The friend added that the owner had "taken it badly."

A police spokeswoman said: "We are following up both incidents - we don't know if they are linked - and would urge anyone who saw anything to call us."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Durham City Police on 0845 60 60 365.